| Show I l' l State budget leaves social socia social V programs in the lurch d Dear Editor the last legislative session C CONCERNING where the majority of the state budget went to the various education programs I feel an obligation to state my opinion concerning concerning concerning con con- t the e state budget As a student as well as a father with school-age school children I realize the importance of quality education and the need to financially financially financially finan finan- support the public education system However as a father and a provider I also realize the importance of other state supported supported supported sup sup- ported programs such as Medicaid Medicare various social services and elderly assistance programs The elderly the poor the uninsured uninsured uninsured the homeless have as much m ch right to a quality standard of living as do the teachers Do po not misunderstand me I realize that the teachers' teachers wages are arc far below the standard of this nation but so are other wages of the labor force in Utah We heard during the last legislative session how important the education education education tion system is which I do not dispute but I also would like some attention paid to the the tremendous problem facing individuals and families who do not have and cannot get medical insurance Like the teachers we cannot go on strike against our children and their medical needs Why cant can't the governor or legislature entertain entertain entertain enter enter- tain these problems Many people like myself who currently do not have medical insurance and are arc not eligible for such coverage face fear and doubt when confronted confronted confronted con con- fronted with serious medical problems Even when we become eligible for insurance coverage the costs is astronomical It appears that the teachers' teachers salaries outweigh the needs of the children in this state I do not want to undermine the needs of education and the teacher I just want want want-to to highlight the needs of the average citizen trying to take care of his or her family on limited incomes The State Board of Regents meets with the governor to discuss budget needs Please sirs entertain the needs of the students in this state Please governor help us help our families D. D Kline Jonathan A |
